sixwordstories | (no subject)

(it takes him almost to the last ring to answer. doesn't bother to check the caller id.) Hey.

∗ she was about to hang up, but fumbled with the phone when she heard his voice. ∗ H-hey.

Bella. (crap. he very nearly hangs back up, but the damage is done.) You okay?

∗ there are a few ways she could answer that, but most of them would be lies. ∗ Just calling, like normal. Not really expecting you to pick up.

Normal, right. (nervously clears his throat, clutching the phone hard enough the plastic gives a quiet creak. he hates that word.) I could hang up and let you try again.

∗ it gets unusually quiet on her end, meaning she stopped pacing around her room since his words hurt more than she wanted them to. ∗ Why are you being like this, Jake?

(that was vicious, and jacob already regrets the words. there's the sound of a door closing quietly and muffled movements as he takes sanctuary in his bedroom.) It's nothing. I'm just sick, alright? (A pause, and he gives a forced sounding cough. his father would kill him for the unconvincing act.)

∗ she pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and nibbled on it while she listened to him. ∗ Is there anything I can bring you?

It's better if you stay away. (the words pain him, but his tone is steady.) But thanks.

∗ that desperate tone is starting to creep into her voice. ∗ I don't care if you're sick.

I'm terrible company. (he presses his knuckles against his forehead, finally understanding why his dad had been so insistent that jacob not take a single of bella's calls. this was impossible.) You don't want to see me like this.

You've been sick for weeks, Jake! ∗ her patience is starting to run thin and she's tempted to drive herself there. bella even grabs her keys and holds them tightly in her hand. ∗

You think I enjoy this? It won't be forever. (He swallows thickly and tries to sound hopeful.) I'll call you when I'm feeling better, okay?

Yeah, right. ∗ the words came out before the could stop herself and she hung the phone up. bella was tired of this. ∗

Hi. Everything alright?